The Dirty Dozen – Top 12 Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics

With natural and non-synthetic makeup and
skin care becoming more in demand, here is a list of the Top 12 Ingredients to
Avoid in Cosmetics.

Now more than ever, women are fine-tuning
their skincare and make up routines to include better ingredients. This means
no chemicals, toxins or synthetics. The makeup, skin care, shampoo and body
lotions we use on our bodies can be harmful. These top 12 offenders found in
everything from face washes, sunscreens, cosmetics and more have been linked to
allergies, hormonal disruptions to cancer.

While there are certainly lots of studies
and differing opinions on long-lasting effects some of these toxins have on our
bodies, I think we can all agree that even by swapping some of our products
with those that are more natural and non-synthetic, is a safe bet. Plus, your
skin will be happy!

Top 12 Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics

1. BHA and BHT – This ingredient is often
found in some lipsticks and moisturizers. The National Toxicology Program
classifies butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as “reasonably anticipated to be a
human carcinogen.” In some studies, it has been reported to produce liver
damage and interfere with thyroid hormone levels. It’s found in exfoliators and
some fragrances.

2. Coal Tar Dyes (Aminophenol,
Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine)
Coal tar, a byproduct of coal processing, is a known human carcinogen,
according to the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for
Research on Cancer. Hair stylists and other professionals are exposed to these
chemicals in hair dye almost daily. Europe has banned many of these ingredients
in hair dyes.

3. Formaldehyde
A potent preservative considered a known human carcinogen by the International
Agency on Research on Cancer. Formaldehyde is known to be an asthmagen and
neurotoxicant. This use has declined. But some hair straighteners are based on
formaldehyde’s hair-stiffening action and release substantial amounts of the
chemical. So, stay clear!

4. Parabens This is an ingredient most of us have heard of for quite some time. Parabens are preservatives used in skin-care products to prevent contamination of products while they are sitting on the shelves. Although food and drug administrations have not deemed them to be fatal, according to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, longer chain parabens like propyl and butylparaben and their counterparts, isopropyl and isobutyl parabens, may disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive and developmental disorders. Look for ingredients that are paraben free.

5. Synthetic Fragrance
Fragrances are in everything from shampoo to deodorant to lotions. Since it’s
not Federal law, companies do not require them to list the chemicals in their
fragrance mix. Recent research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and
the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name
brand fragrance products, none of them listed on the label. Fragrances are
among the top five contenders that cause allergies, including causing rashes,
irritation and links to cancer and nervous system issues.

6. Sulfates
Sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate) are commonly used surfactants, which are
ingredients that cleanse the skin and hair in cleansers and shampoos but have
been shown to cause or contribute to skin irritation, and can be a major
disruptor of the skin’s natural oil balance. It is also widely said to cause
acne.

7. Triclosan
Triclosan was very popular in the use of antibacterial products found in bars
and liquids. However, it has been linked to thyroid issues, skin cancer and
allergies. Now, because of its potential link to these health concerns, the FDA
has banned soaps and other antiseptic products from using the ingredient in
2017.

8. Phthalates
Phthalates are often found in nail polish and hairspray, deodorant and perfume
and are meant to keep products soft and flexible. These chemicals have been
known to cause endocrine disruption, headaches and respiratory problems. It’s
advised that pregnant women avoid products with phthalates altogether. Look for
products that indicate “phthalates-free” in their list.

9. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is one of the highest-risk chemicals found in
sunscreen. Studies on cells and laboratory animals indicate that
oxybenzone and its metabolites may disrupt the hormone system.

10. Propylene Glycol
According to the EWG, Propylene glycol is typically used as a skin-conditioning
agent, however, it’s been linked to allergy-induced conditions such as
dermatitis and hives.

11. Petrolatum
Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly (ex. petroleum jelly) that is often used as a
barrier to lock moisture in the skin in a variety of moisturizers and also in
hair care products to make your hair shine. However, although it’s been used
for hundreds of years, it can become a health hazard if it hasn’t been refined.

12. DEA
DEA (diethanolamine) is used to make cosmetics creamy or sudsy and are
mostly found in moisturizers and sunscreens, while cocamide and lauramide DEA
are found in soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. They can cause skin irritation.
The European Union classifies DEA as harmful on the basis of the danger of
serious damage to health from prolonged exposure and deems it to be
carcinogenic.